Dec r 29 th 1780

I wrote by last post giving an account of the forwarding of the translation

of Introd: and of the agreement that had been entered into for printing it

at Stutgard in Germany at our own risks. I might have added that

as the two parts are to be printed together he reckons but a fortnight

printing the last 20 sheets; and upon the whole he expected that it

would be finished and ready for sending in little more than 3 months from

Sunday last: so that in about 4 months you may look for it at

Petersburgh.

This day's post will bring advice of the death of Mr Harris M.P. for

Christchurch Hants & Father of S r J: I am

sorry for it. You know he was author of Hermes; from which I have derived

considerable instruction. I was in hopes we might have become

acquainted.

on the Phil Frame.

Shipbuilding Anecdotes W. I hope they may not have

proved a means of its miscarrying.

Remember Q.S.P.'s certificate that he is to receive the

Tontine by. He mentioned it himself. He is to

give me that which he has on my life: that, and the Malthouse being let

will have £14 a year that I shall have to fight him for.

You have not told me yet whether Peake's father paid you for Harrison the

Taylor's bill?

S r Ch. Douglas's method of splicing a yard that is

almost broke in two, without shortening it

The Yard broke He filets it longitudinally and replaces the

shorter halves parallel to the longer on the same side

. This he delivered this last cruise of Darby, to all the

Captains assembled, who upon its being proposed to them as a problem

to solve all gave it up. I had it from MacNeill a friend of Wilson's who is

just come from the fleet. I send 7 1/2 sheets I reserve 3 1/2,

till next post.

These Experimentings & Div. are an enormous load to send through such a

channel. I keep out a part of Conduct to have it copied.